Changing my outlook one step at a time. This is what I have been working on over the past year and a half.

If you are new to the blog you can read a little bit about my ongoing struggle with depression-Hello, It’s Me, Depression. I have struggled with depression in various forms since my early 20’s. No one ever imagines that this will be the path that their life will take but for me these were the cards that I was dealt.

I don’t want depression to be what defines me but it is just a part of me. Since my last update about this (it’s been awhile), I have had some major life changes . . .mainly I got divorced. I was already in recovery from a major depressive episode when this all came about. It rocked my world. You never imagine that your life will get essentially turned upside down and that you will have to rebuild yourself from the ground up, a process that I was already working on making this extra hard. Between the major depressive episode and the divorce I felt shaken to my core, shell shocked.

What I realized in all of this is that this was the time to lean on others. I couldn’t go through any of this alone. In the past I never let anyone in on the inner turmoil and the struggles that I was going through. I got really good at hiding everything which is one reason that the depression got so severe. I got really good at isolating myself emotionally. In order to get myself into a better place now I would have to allow myself to feel the pain. I would have to recognize that my pain was out in the open for all to see. I would have to accept the changes in my life as my new reality. There was no hiding from the truth of the fact that my marriage had ended and that I was in recovery from a major depressive episode. I needed to own it.

Over the past year and a half I have been relying on a team of doctors . . . a psychiatrist and a psychologist who have given me the support that I needed and the open venue to talk about anything and everything. I see them at regular intervals in order to make sure that my depression recovery continues to move in a positive direction. I have also had to lean on friends, to openly share the difficulty of divorce and depression. I have had to learn to be ok with having those hard conversations telling people that my marriage had ended or sharing with them what I had been going through with depression treatments. What I have discovered is that the more open I am, the more accepting that I have become with where I am in life. The more I make myself vulnerable the more connections I build with others. I have made great steps towards recognizing my new reality. I have found new strength inside myself to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Through putting myself out there in building new relationships and working to strengthen other relationships. I am beginning to see everything through a different lens. I am feeling less alone when I am alone. I am feeling stronger and more capable of moving forward.

I am done hiding. This is me. Out in the open. I want to find the person that I lost so long ago. The one who was so care free. I want to love. I want to laugh. I want to share everything with you. I want to be there when you need it. I want to motivate you. I want to inspire you. I want to take chances at happiness. I want to live my life fully.

Thank you for letting me share a window into my life.

Donut Angel

How do you move past things that are difficult in your life? How do you find strength?

13 responses

Keep sharing and keep working on your goals and you will be just fine my friend! It’s so important to be open and honest about therapy, depression and recovery and move it from something that should be whispered about. I give you so much credit for putting yourself out here and helping others with your story and struggles. I have no doubt you will accomplish ALL of your goals – personal, professional and fitness – because you are taking the steps necessary to face them head on! Keep going!! xoxoxoAllie recently posted…Alexandrea and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Travel and Race – Part 1

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us. It is so brave to put yourself out there, and I’m glad that you’ve been able to find the support that you need but letting others in. Wishing you well!Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…1/2 Sauer 1/2 Kraut Half Marathon 2019 Recap

Thank you so much for sharing. I’m glad you’re in a better place and have such a good mindset. I seriously applaud how courageous you are for letting us in on this piece of your life & I’ll be praying for you!

Thanks so much for sharing, and setting such a positive example of coping with a difficult time. I have always thought of “seeking help” as a true sign of strength, so good for YOU. Hugs & prayers as you continue onward 😉Kimberly Hatting recently posted…Early Morning Running is Where It’s At!

Lots of hugs and support. I am sure this was very difficult (and also cathartic) to put into words and you did it beautifully. I am hopeful that you continue to progress smoothly and am so glad you are seeing light at the end of this tunnel. <3Jenn recently posted…riots #18: school’s almost out for summer!

I just wanted to tell you how awesome I think you are and what a special person you are. As much as you have struggled alone in the past, you were always raising up everyone else around you and making us feel strong. I love who you are and applaud you for your openness. Wish I could reach through the screen and give you a hug. Thinking about you! xo

Thank you for sharing and being so honest about your struggles with depression. I hope that putting it in writing and sharing helps you move forward more easily. Hugs to you!Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Contrasting Days of Being Lazy Versus Industrious

I am glad you can feel open enough to share. You are not alone. We all have struggles and when you have a community that accepts where you are, you can move forward more easily. We do better when we support each other.

I usually turn to music when I’m feeling down. I remember a time when I was really sad, I listened to “Every Day Is Exactly The Same” by Nine Inch Nails and “Everlong” by Foo Fighters dozens of times or more. Those songs helped me feel better.

Also, mindfulness and meditation exercises can be helpful. I am a total noob when it comes to meditation. I think I’ve meditated like 4 times, but I’ve heard of the benefits and I want to learn more. I recently downloaded an app called “Waking Up” by philosopher Sam Harris. In that app he has guided meditations and also audio lessons explaining how meditation works. Maybe it would be helpful to check out.

Hello! I’m Sandra!

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